Winter Advisory: Senior Link of Midland’s programming can aid seniors in the cold

As temperatures drop, the coats come out, the heaters are turned on and soup is prepared. But for some, it’s not always so simple. With the colder weather, many senior citizens can often face additional struggles.

As temperatures drop, the coats come out, the heaters are turned on and soup is prepared. But for some, it’s not always so simple. With the colder weather, many senior citizens can often face additional

As temperatures drop, the coats come out, the heaters are turned on and soup is prepared. But for some, it’s not always so simple. With the colder weather, many senior citizens can often face additional struggles.

As temperatures drop, the coats come out, the heaters are turned on and soup is prepared. But for some, it’s not always so simple. With the colder weather, many senior citizens can often face additional

Winter Advisory: Senior Link of Midland’s programming can aid seniors in the cold

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As temperatures drop, the coats come out, the heaters are turned on and soup is prepared. But for some, it’s not always so simple. With the colder weather, many senior citizens can often face additional struggles.

Senior Link of Midland executive director Kathleen Kirwan Haynie discussed how the agency readies for the winter and how the community in general can help their older neighbors, friends and family. She also spoke about issues seniors face that may fly under the radar.

“This time of year is always a challenge. People start getting sick with cold weather or they are cold in their own home,” she said. “So, it’s vital that neighbors and family check on them in this weather.”

Staying warm is a major concern, and seniors may often do without heat for a variety of reasons.

“Many of them either can't afford to heat their houses, or don’t have central heat or even forget to turn them on,” she said.

How to help

--To volunteer for Meals on Wheels or to refer a senior for its programs, visit seniorlinkmidland.org.

--The organization is planning its annual Warming Tree drive for area seniors. Donations of new heaters, blankets and socks will be accepted starting Monday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday (except Thanksgiving) and 8 a.m.to 2 p.m. Friday at Senior Link of Midland, 3301 Sinclair Ave.

She and her volunteers have learned that to save money, older residents may be using space heaters but not always the best ones. Haynie said the heaters may not be safe because they are old or have frayed wires or can also fall over and start a fire.

This is where Senior Link’s Meals on Wheels steps in.

For those on the program, not only do seniors get a daily meal, but a volunteer checks in with them.

“This goes together with Meals on Wheels because they will do safety checks. They’ll check if they are warm and healthy. If they have food. We can do checks on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s more than just delivering a meal,” she said.

Senior Link currently is short on Meals on Wheels volunteers – which often is the situation this time of year because regular volunteers aren’t available.

For seniors not on Senior Link programs, Haynie looks to the community.

“Just introduce yourself,” Haynie said. “Some people are private about their business but making that effort to say “Hi” sometimes means a lot to people and can open the door to if they really need help.”

Neighbors, caregivers and family don’t have to be alone in helping their elderly. Haynie advises people to reach out to Senior Link, a church or any other agency. Senior Link is constantly taking referrals for their programs said if her agency can’t help, staff will find the agency that can.

“There doesn’t have to be that stress, and particularly at the holidays, it’s harder and more stressful than normal. We don’t compete with other agencies. We’re all partners here,” she said.

Through Meals on Wheels, the organization has discovered that seniors will often put their pets’ needs before their own. To meet this challenge, Senior Link has Meals on Wheels for Paws.

“A quarter of our clients have pets and when they are financially insecure, they struggle to take care of them as well, or feed them their own food. This might be the only loved one they have,” she said. “A lot of people don’t think about this. Through the FMH Foundation, we were granted money to fund this program, which purchases food, treats and kennels. During the holidays, we will bring a gift package to their pets.”

A larger issue is the economy. A problem across all demographics, she says many forget about seniors and their cost of living.

“We see this more and more. They struggle with turning their heat on or buying groceries or going to the doctor or pay their mortgage or property taxes. This can be a desperate situation. What they or their friends or family can do immediately is get in touch with legal aid. So many who have worked their whole life and want to enjoy their retirement, will put their head in the sand about this.”

But not every senior is in dire straits. For the healthy or financially secure, Haynie encourages seniors to try the organization.

“They find their passion to stay busy and stay active. There is still that need to be connected and have a sense of purpose. We provide more than 500 volunteers to agencies with our Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP),” she said. “Sometimes it’s helping an agency decorate for Christmas or reading to children. They find their niche and we can help them put that into action.”

Senior Link of Midland has also partnered with the West Texas Food Bank for senior aid. Read about the food bank’s endeavors to help the senior community next week.

Editor's note: This is the first in a series on Midland agencies that address challenges faced by seniors during the winter months.